2022-23 NFL Rookies to Watch: Dameon Pierce Runs Away With Top Job

The Houston Texans selected Florida Gators running back Dameon Pierce with the 107th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he could quickly establish himself as the team’s No. 1 running back.

As it stands, Pierce will be competing for carries with Marlon Mack, Rex Burkhead, Dare Ogunbowale, and Royce Freeman.

Mack rushed for a career-high 1,091 yards in 2019, but he’s suited up for just seven games since and handled only 32 carries the past two years.

Additionally, while Burkhead is versatile, he’s also a 31-year-old back whose 122 touches last season with the Texans were the most in his nine-year career.

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Where Pierce projects to separate himself from his peers is in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He’s a powerful and balanced runner who scored 16 times on just 100 rushes and 19 receptions in his final year with the Gators.

His limited usage at Florida is also a plus.

Pierce totaled just 329 carries through his four years with the Gators and enters the NFL with plenty of tread on the tires. So, his willingness to power through contact should translate to the highest level and offset what Mack and Burkhead offer out of the backfield.

The obvious concern is how awful the Houston rushing attack and entire offense were last season. 

Starting quarterback Davis Mills offers limited upside through the air, and Houston ranked last in total yards and scored the third-fewest points in 2021. Mills did show signs down the stretch throwing for 1,258 yards with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions over the final five games of the season.

First-year offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton could also help, but the Texans still remain one of the least talented offenses in the league on paper. They have the longest odds (+30000) to win the Super Bowl at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Houston is still going to score points though, and Pierce should quickly position himself atop the running back depth chart. As long as he earns goal-line work and consistent touches week in, week out, the Gators alum stands to provide serviceable production for the Texans in Year 1.

He is +2000 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at DraftKings Sportsbook.

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